Infinityglass (Hourglass 3)

“I know you think you’re invincible, Hallie, but you aren’t. Every time your mom takes a chance to get what she wants, the consequences are worse. I don’t want to see you on the receiving end of whatever Teague does to manipulate you next.”

“I don’t want to see it, either. But Dad’s cut her out of Chronos now. We don’t have to deal with her.”

“I don’t,” Poe said. “You do. She’s your mother.”

“That’s just blood. And in my book? Choice wins out over blood every time.”

Dune

Hallie walked into my room without knocking. “Are you always this organized?”

“I actually am.”

“Impressive.”

“How did it go with Poe?” I asked.

“Fine.” I could see her, trying to convince herself to believe her own lie. My hackles rose.

“Do I need to go have a talk with Poe?”

“No, no. It wasn’t anything he did. Just some fair points he brought up about Chronos. And my mom.”

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“No. Not yet. But Dune? Thanks.”

Instead of meeting my eyes, she leaned over my desk and looked at the small corkboard Emerson had filled with pictures as a going-away present. “Ever wish you’d stayed there, in Ivy Springs?”

“Never.” I sat down on the edge of the bed.

“What happened here?” The picture she was pointing to was mostly metallic silver.

“My friend Michael’s room. We wrapped everything we could in aluminum foil.”

“I’ll have to remember that.” She moved closer. “Who’s he?”

I looked over her shoulder. “Nate. You’d love him. He’s a dancer, too.”

“And has good hair. Hold on a second.” She pointed at another picture. “Speaking of hair … you had dreads. How long did you have dreads?”

“Pretty much always.”

She turned around, her hands on her hips. “When did you cut them?”

“Right about the time I decided to come here. I didn’t want to give your dad any reason to turn me down. I wanted to help you.” I shrugged.

“You had to give things up. Your home, friends—and your hair—all to come to New Orleans. For me.”

“Coming here wasn’t mandatory. It was my choice. And don’t doubt for a second that I wouldn’t do the same all over again.”

“The dreads were hot.” She bent toward me, smoothed her fingers over my hair. “But this … being able to slide my hands in and keep your face where I want it? I like that better.”

I met her eyes. “I might need a demonstration.”

She smiled, slowly, and pulled me in for a kiss.

Chapter 15